Far-right protesters marched through the streets of East Cleveland today in a demonstration over a controversial slaughterhouse.

Around 100 people from various far-right groups gathered at the Wharton Arms pub in Skelton, before taking part in a mile-long march to Banaras Halal Meats (BMH) abattoir in Boosbeck .

Members of the North East Infidels were among those who took part along with members of the English Defence League and the National Front.

A statement on the group’s Facebook page ahead of the march stated that the event had been organised in a bid to “help Boosbeck reclaim their village”.

Furious Boosbeck villagers dominated the crowd, with many claiming the smell, noise and traffic from the site is “ruining their lives”.

One of the organisers of the march, who would only give his name as Warren, said: “We are here to raise awareness for the people of Boosebeck and to get this slaughterhouse moved as we believe it should not be in the village.

“Residents can’t open their windows because of the smell, they can’t hang their washing out because of the smell and their children can’t play out because the smell makes them sick.”

“These people want to reclaim their village back and we are here to support them.”

“There’s a great atmosphere here today. There’s loads of locals out from the village.”

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “The organisers has worked with the police and the local authority throughout to ensure that everything was put in place prior to the march.

“They have worked with us from the outset to ensure today goes off without any issues.”

But Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Tom Blenkinsop, called it a “failed” protest.

He said: “The EDL need to realise that they have no place in our community. The EDL’s reputation for racism, intolerance and public disorder runs contrary to what the vast majority of decent Boosbeck residents believe. The support the EDL generates never appears to be local, and is more often than not bussed in from miles away.

“It has wasted taxpayers’ money and piled pressure on Cleveland Police who are already struggling due to major budget cuts.

“Hopefully, after their latest failed attempt to garner support in the area, they will listen to the message of East Cleveland residents and never come back to the area.”